Elegant Sports

Otega Oweh has been a crucial part of Kentucky’s success this season, emerging as the team’s go-to scorer when the game is on the line. His latest performance against No. 15 Missouri showcased his ability to take over games, as he led the Wildcats with 22 points—20 of which came in the second half. With that effort, he now sits just one point away from reaching 1,000 for his college career.

In a season where Kentucky has battled adversity, Oweh has been the steadying force. His ability to rise to the occasion, especially in the second half, has made him an indispensable asset for the Wildcats. He now has 11 games this season with 20 or more points, including five in the last seven contests. With the SEC and NCAA Tournaments approaching, Oweh’s ability to take over games will be a key factor in how far Kentucky can advance.

Second-Half Dominance: A Defining Trait

Oweh has consistently proven that he is at his best after halftime. He entered Saturday’s game averaging 9.8 second-half points this season, and against Missouri, he once again displayed his ability to flip the switch when it mattered most. Despite a slow start, he erupted after the break, attacking the rim, hitting two three-pointers, and reaching the free-throw line 10 times.

This type of performance has become routine for Oweh. His second-half dominance has been a recurring theme throughout the season:

• Feb. 26 vs. Oklahoma – Scored 23 of his 28 points in the second half, including Kentucky’s final 18 points in a dramatic 83-82 victory.
• Feb. 15 vs. Texas – 12 of his 20 points came after halftime.
• Feb. 8 vs. South Carolina – Tallied 15 of his 17 points in the second half.
• Jan. 25 vs. Vanderbilt – Scored 17 of his 21 points after the break.

The numbers speak for themselves: Oweh is Kentucky’s most reliable offensive weapon when the pressure is at its highest.

Beyond his scoring ability, Oweh embodies the grit and intensity that define this Kentucky team. After the Missouri game, he spoke with Goose Givens on the postgame radio show, reaffirming the team’s identity.

“We have to try and obviously embrace that we’re at Kentucky, but then remember what got us here, and it’s that chip and that intensity. So this is really us,” Oweh said.

His leadership and relentless play have been instrumental in Kentucky’s success. The Wildcats capitalized on Missouri’s 10 turnovers, converting them into 20 points—further proving the team’s ability to turn defense into offense. Oweh’s presence on both ends of the floor has been critical, and Kentucky will need more of that as they prepare for postseason play.

A Career Year for Oweh

In his first season at Kentucky after transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh has taken his game to another level. The junior wing has set career highs in nearly every major statistical category, including points per game (16.2), rebounds (4.6), assists (1.6), two-point field goal percentage (.526), free throw percentage (.776), and minutes per game (28.1). His consistent performances have positioned him as a likely All-SEC selection and one of the most impactful transfers in the country.

What’s Next?

With Oweh playing at this level, Kentucky has a legitimate shot at making a deep postseason run. His ability to take over games in the second half will be crucial as the Wildcats prepare to battle in the SEC Tournament and beyond. As he stands just one point away from reaching the 1,000-career-point milestone, it’s clear that Oweh’s impact goes far beyond numbers—he is the heart and soul of this team.

Expect more big moments from Otega Oweh in March, as Kentucky looks to make a statement on the national stage.